Screw targeting guide system and method

ABSTRACT

A targeting guide includes a body defining a first guide hole sized and configured to receive a guide sleeve therethrough. The first guide hole extends through the body on a first axis. An alignment arm extends between a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the body. A tip extends from the second end of the alignment arm. A free end of the tip is aligned with the first axis of the first guide hole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/500,501, which is a National Stage Application, filed under 35 U.S.C. 371, of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/044030, filed on Jul. 27, 2018 which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/541,410, filed on Aug. 4, 2017, entitled “SCREW TARGETING GUIDE SYSTEM AND METHOD,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

During surgery, such as foot surgery, it may be necessary to fix a position of a first bone fragment and a second bone fragment. For example, in some instances, an osteotomy is formed in a bone to correct one or more defects. After forming the osteotomy, a first fragment of the bone and a second fragment of a bone are positioned to correct the defect and are fixed in place using one or more fixation elements. In other embodiments, one or more bone fragments are formed as a result of an injury and/or medical procedure.

Current systems rely on the placement of guide elements prior to insertion of the fixation elements. Placement of the guide elements is performed by a surgeon and often requires the surgeon to insert and remove the guide element several times before a desired placement is achieved. The repeated insertion and removal of guide elements results in additional wounds in a patient and increase pain, recovery time, and complexity of surgery (including difficulty, increased surgical time, etc.)

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a targeting guide is disclosed. The targeting guide includes a body defining a first guide hole sized and configured to receive a guide sleeve therethrough. The first guide hole extends through the body on a first axis. An alignment arm extends between a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the body. A tip extends from the second end of the alignment arm. A free end of the tip is aligned with the first axis of the first guide hole.

In various embodiments, a system is disclosed. The system includes a targeting guide having a body defining a first guide hole. The first guide hole extends through the body on a first axis. An alignment arm extends between a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the body. A tip extends from the second end of the alignment arm. A free end of the tip is aligned with the first axis of the first guide hole. A first sleeve sized and configured for insertion through the first guide hole. The first sleeve defines a channel extending therethrough.

In various embodiments, a method is disclosed. The method includes positioning a targeting guide adjacent to a first bone. The targeting guide includes a body, an alignment arm extending between a first end coupled to the body and a second end, and a tip extending from the second end of the alignment arm and having a free end. A first sleeve is inserted through a first guide hole formed in the body. The first sleeve defines a first channel extending therethrough. A first guide element is inserted through the channel of the first sleeve and into the first bone. A portion of the tip of the targeting guide corresponds to an exit position of the first guide element from the first bone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a targeting guide, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the targeting guide of FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the targeting guide taken along line A-A of FIG. 2 , in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a surgical site having a targeting guide positioned adjacent to a first bone portion, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates the surgical site of FIG. 4 having a first guide sleeve and a second guide sleeve positioned through respective first and second guide holes of the targeting guide, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates the surgical site of FIG. 5 having the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve removed therefrom, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the surgical site of FIG. 6 , in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates the surgical site of FIG. 6 having the targeting guide removed therefrom, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9A illustrates the surgical site of FIG. 8 having a first fixation device and a second fixation device inserted into the first bone portion and a second bone portion, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixation devices of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a surgical site including a targeting guide having a first alignment hole and a second alignment hole, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the surgical site of FIG. 10 , in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the surgical site of FIG. 10 , in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a surgical site including a targeting guide having a first alignment pin and a second alignment pin, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates the targeting guide of FIG. 13 having the first alignment pin and the second alignment pin aligned on a predetermined axis, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a targeting guide having an arced alignment arm extending from a body, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a targeting guide having an arced alignment arm and a curved lower surface of a body, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a targeting guide having a first set of guide holes formed on a first arcuate axis of the body and a second set of guide holes formed on a second arcuate axis of the body, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a targeting guide having a first set of guide holes formed on a first horizontal axis of the body and a second set of guide holes formed on a second horizontal axis of the body, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates a targeting guide having a continuous body and alignment arm, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a targeting guide having a continuous body and alignment arm including a plurality of guide holes formed therethrough, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a targeting guide having an adjustable body, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method of fixing a first bone fragment to a second bone fragment, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “proximal,” “distal,” “superior,” “inferior,” “medial,” and “lateral” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate an understanding of the present subject matter.

As used herein, the term “substantially” denotes elements having a recited relationship (e.g., parallel, perpendicular, aligned, etc.) within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, as used herein, the term “substantially parallel” is used to denote elements that are parallel or that vary from a parallel arrangement within an acceptable margin of error, such as +/−5°, although it will be recognized that greater and/or lesser deviations can exist based on manufacturing processes and/or other manufacturing requirements.

In various embodiments, a targeting guide is disclosed. The targeting guide includes a body defining one or more guide holes configured to receive a guide sleeve therethrough. A first guide hole extends through the body on a first axis. An alignment arm is coupled to the body at a first end. The alignment arm extends between a first end and a second end. The alignment arm can extend along a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, and/or an arcuate axis. A guide tip extends from the second end of the alignment arm. A portion of the guide tip is aligned with the first axis of the first guide hole such that a guide sleeve and/or a guide element inserted through the guide hole is aligned with the selected portion of the guide tip. A guide element is inserted through the guide sleeve and/or through the guide hole without a guide sleeve and exits the guide sleeve at a position indicated by the predetermined portion of the guide tip.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a targeting guide 10, in accordance with some embodiments. The targeting guide 10 is configured to position one or more guide elements in a bone, as discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 4-10 . As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the targeting guide 10 includes a body 12 extending between an upper edge 26 a and a lower edge 26 b and between a first side 28 a and a second side 28 b. The body 12 defines a first guide hole 14 a and a second guide hole 14 b extending through the body 12 from a first surface 30 a to a second surface 30 b. The first guide hole 14 a extends through the body 12 along a first axis 32 a and the second guide hole 14 b extends through the body 12 along a second axis 32 b. In some embodiments, the first axis 32 a and the second axis 32 b are substantially parallel, although it will be appreciated that the first and second axes 32 a, 32 b can define non-parallel (e.g., intersecting) paths. Each of the guide holes 14 a, 14 b are sized and configured to receive a guide sleeve therethrough (see FIG. 4 ).

In some embodiments, a channel 18 extends from a lower edge 26 b of the body 12 into an interior portion of the body 12. The channel 18 is sized and configured to receive one or more guide elements therethrough such that the targeting guide 10 can be removed from a surgical site after insertion of one or more guide elements, as discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 4-10 . Although embodiments are illustrated including a channel 18 extending from a bottom edge 26 b of the body 12, it will be appreciated that the channel 18 can extend inward from any outer surface of the body 12 and/or can be omitted in various embodiments.

In some embodiments, an alignment arm 24 extends from an upper edge 26 a of the body 12. The alignment arm 24 extends from a first end 42 a (coupled to the body 12) to a second end 42 b. In some embodiments, a guide tip 34 is coupled to the second end 42 b of the alignment arm 24. The alignment arm 24 has a predetermined length configured to position the guide tip 34 at a predetermined distance from the body 12. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance corresponds to an anatomical feature of a patient. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment arm 24 extends on a horizontal axis 32 c, although it will be appreciated that the alignment arm 24 can include any number of segments extending along one or more horizontal, vertical, and/or arcuate axes, such as one straight segment, a plurality of short straight segments, an arc of some curvature, etc. Although embodiments are discussed herein including an alignment arm 24 having a predetermined length, it will be appreciated that the alignment arm 24 can have a telescoping or non-fixed length in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the alignment arm 24 is tapered from the first end 42 a to the second end 42 b. The bottom edge 48 b of the alignment arm 24 can be tapered such that the thickness of the alignment arm 24 decreases from the first end 42 a to the second end 42 b while maintaining a horizontal axis 32 c aligned with the first axis 32 a and the second axis 32 b of respective first and second guide holes 14 a, 14 b. In other embodiments, the upper edge 48 a can be tapered in addition to and/or alternatively to the bottom edge 48 b. In some embodiments, the alignment arm 24 is tapered from a first thickness, corresponding to a thickness of the body 12, to a second thickness, corresponding to a thickness of a guide tip 34.

The guide tip 34 extends from the second end 42 b of the alignment arm 24. The guide tip 34 is configured to indicate a position related to one or more guide elements inserted through the targeting guide 10. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the guide tip 34 corresponds to an exit position from a first bone portion of one or more guide elements inserted through the guide holes 14 a, 14 b of the targeting guide 10. The guide tip 34 can include an intermediate portion 36, a terminal portion 38, a free end 38 a, and a transition 40 between the intermediate portion 36 and the terminal portion 38, each of which may correspond to a position of one or more guide elements.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide tip 34 includes an intermediate portion 36 extending from the alignment arm 24 and a terminal portion 38 extending from the intermediate portion 36. The guide tip 34 extends a predetermined distance from the alignment arm 24 such that a free end 38 a of the terminal portion 38 is aligned with the first axis 32 a of the first guide hole 14 a. The terminal portion 38 is configured to be positioned against a surface of a bone to indicate an exit position of a first guide element inserted into the bone through the targeting guide 10 such that a user (such as a surgeon) can visualize the position of the first guide element prior to inserting the guide element into the bone, reducing the number of reinsertions required during surgery.

In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 36 extends a predetermined length such that the terminal portion 38 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the interface between the alignment arm 24 and the guide tip 34. The intermediate portion 36 extends from the alignment arm 24 at a first angle Θ₁ and the terminal portion 38 extends from the intermediate portion 36 at a second angle Θ₂. In some embodiments, a junction 40 between the intermediate portion 36 and the terminal portion 38 corresponds to an exit position of a guide element inserted through one of the guide holes 14 a, 14 b defined by the body 12. Although embodiments are discussed herein including an intermediate portion 36, it will be appreciated that the intermediate portion 36 can be omitted and the terminal portion 38 can extend directly from the alignment arm 24, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, additional intermediate portions can be disposed between the alignment arm 24 and the terminal portion 38 each corresponding to additional and/or alterative guide holes or guide hole axes. In other embodiments, the intermediate portion 36 and/or the terminal portion 38 extend from the alignment arm 24 in a continuous and/or variable arc.

FIGS. 4-10 illustrate the targeting guide 10 in use at a surgical site 100. The surgical site 100 includes a plurality of bones, such as a first bone 102 and a second bone 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bone 102 is a metatarsal and the second bone 104 is a proximal phalanx, although it will be appreciated that the first bone 102 and/or the second bone 104 can be any suitable bones, such as one or more hand bones, foot bones, etc. The targeting guide 10 discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3 , and similar description is not repeated herein.

In use, the lower surface 26 b of the body 12 of the targeting guide 10 is positioned against an outer surface of a patient adjacent to a first bone 102, such as an outer surface of a foot adjacent to a metatarsal. The guide tip 34 is positioned against a distal end of a first portion 102 a of the bone 102. In some embodiments, the first portion 102 a includes a bone fragment formed during a medical procedure (such as an osteotomy), formed during an injury, and/or otherwise separated from a second portion 102 b. A first guide sleeve 16 a is inserted through the first guide hole 14 a in the body 12 and a second guide sleeve 16 b is inserted through the second guide hole 14 b in the body 12. The first guide sleeve 16 a extends along the first axis 32 a when inserted through the first guide hole 14 a and the second guide sleeve 16 b extends along the second axis 32 b when inserted through the second guide hole 14 b. The first and second guide sleeves 16 a, 16 b are positioned in contact with and/or adjacent to the first bone fragment 102 a.

In some embodiments, each of the guide sleeves 116 a, 116 b define a central channel sized and configured to receive a guide element therethrough. The central channels are concentric with respective axes 32 a, 32 b such that a guide element inserted through the guide sleeves 116 a, 116 b extends along the respective axis 32 a, 32 b. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , a first guide element 110 a is inserted through the first guide sleeve 116 a along the first axis 32 a and a second guide element 110 b is inserted through the second guide sleeve 116 b along the second axis 32 b. In some embodiments, each of the guide sleeves 116 a, 116 b include a flared or larger-diameter portion 118 configured to prevent insertion of the guide sleeve 116 a, 116 b through the guide holes 14 a, 14 b, although it will be appreciated that the flared portion 118 can be omitted. The first and second guide elements 110 a, 110 b can include any suitable guide elements configured to guide a fastener to an implantation site and/or form a pilot hole. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second guide elements 110 a, 110 b include a k-wire, although it will be appreciated that any suitable guide element, such as a pin, a wire, a screw, etc., can be used.

As best shown in FIG. 5 , the alignment arm 24 and guide tip 34 of the targeting guide 10 are configured to provide visualization of a position of the guide elements 110 a, 110 b prior to insertion. A free end 38 a of the terminal portion 38 is aligned with the first axis 32 a of the first guide hole 14 a. When the targeting guide 10 is positioned adjacent to and/or in contact with the first bone portion 102 a, the free end 38 a is positioned at an exit point of the first guide element 110 a when inserted through the first guide sleeve 116 a and the first bone fragment 102 a. In some embodiments, the junction 40 between the intermediate portion 36 and the terminal portion 38 of the guide tip 34 corresponds to a position of a second guide element 110 b when inserted through the second guide sleeve 116 b and the first bone fragment 102 a. The terminal portion 36 can be used to position and align the targeting guide 10 prior to insertion of the first or second guide elements 110 a, 110 b, ensuring the guide elements 110 a, 110 b are properly placed and eliminated the need for repeated removal and reinsertion of the guide elements 110 a, 110 b. In some embodiments, the guide elements 110 a, 110 b can be inserted until they abut a predetermined portion of the guide tip 34, such as the terminal portion 38, the junction 40, and/or any other suitable portion. In other embodiments, the guide elements 110 a, 110 b can be inserted partially into the first bone 102 without contacting the guide tip 34. In some embodiments, the guide tip 34 defines one or more holes sized and configured to receive guide elements 110 a, 110 b therethrough.

In some embodiments, the body 12 includes one or more alignment holes 16 a-16 d. The alignment holes 16 a-16 d are configured to receive a guide element therethrough, such as a k-wire. The alignment holes 16 a-16 d have axes aligned with the axes 32 a, 32 b of the guide holes 14 a, 14 b. A guide element positioned through one of the alignment holes 16 a-16 d is positioned parallel with a guide sleeve 116 a, 116 b and/or a guide element 110 a, 110 b inserted through a respective guide hole 14 a, 14 b and provides a visual indicator of the position of the guide sleeves 116 a, 116 b and/or guide elements 110 a, 110 b with respect to an anatomical structure, such as a first bone. For example, in some embodiments, the alignment holes 16 a-16 d allow a user (e.g., a surgeon) to position one or more guide elements externally of a patient's anatomy to visually align the targeting guide 10 with the anatomical structure. In some embodiments, the alignment holes 16 a-16 d are omitted.

As best shown in FIG. 6 , the guide sleeves 116 a, 116 b can be removed from the targeting guide 10 and/or the guide elements 110 a, 110 b after insertion of the guide elements 110 a, 110 b. In some embodiments, the guide sleeves 116 a, 116 b are slideably removed proximally over the guide elements 110 a, 110 b, although it will be appreciated that the guide element 110 a, 110 b can be removed in any suitable direction. The targeting guide 10 is used to visually verify placement of the first guide element 110 a and the second guide element 110 b in the first bone fragment 102 a. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, positioning of the guide elements 110 a, 110 b is checked by verifying that the guide elements are centered within the guide holes 14 a, 14 b, and/or verify contact between a predetermined portion of the guide tip 34 and the guide elements 110 a, 110 b, although it will be appreciated that other visual indications can be used to verify placement of the guide elements 110 a, 110 b. Any suitable visualization technique, such x-ray imaging, fluoroscopy, etc. can be used to image and verify the targeting guide prior to and/or after insertion of the guide elements 110 a, 110 b.

As best shown in FIG. 8 , the targeting guide 10 can be removed from the surgical site 100. For example, the targeting guide 10 can be removed by advancing the targeting guide 10 in a direction away from the first bone 102. The channel 18 allows the targeting guide 10 to be removed from the surgical site 100 without interfering with the guide elements 110 a, 110 b, as the guide elements 110 a, 110 b traverse the channel 18 when the targeting guide 10 is removed. Prior to and/or after removal of the targeting guide 10, the guide elements 110 a, 110 b can be advanced into the second bone fragment 102 b.

The guide elements 110 a, 110 b can be inserted into the second bone fragment 102 b to temporarily fix the position of the first bone fragment 102 a and the second bone fragment 102 b. In some embodiments, a fixation element can be inserted over the guide elements 110 a, 110 b. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, in some embodiments, a first cannulated screw 120 a is slideably positioned over the first guide element 110 a and inserted through the first bone fragment 102 a and the second bone fragment 102 b and a second cannulated screw 120 b is slideably positioned over the second guide element 110 b and inserted through the first bone fragment 102 a and the second bone fragment 102 b. The first and second cannulated screws 120 a, 120 b fix the relative positions of the first bone fragment 102 a and the second bone fragment 102 b. The guide elements 110 a, 110 b can be removed from the bone 102 after fixation of the bone by the fixation elements 120 a, 120 b. FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the screws 120 a, 120 b having guide elements 110 a, 110 b extending therethrough.

Although embodiments are illustrated including cannulated screws 120 a, 120 b, it will be appreciated that any suitable fixation device can be coupled to the first bone fragment 102 a and/or the second bone fragment 102 b. For example, in some embodiments, cannulated fasteners (such as a cannulated screw, peg, pin, etc.) are inserted over each of the guide elements 110 a, 110 b to fix the position of the first bone fragment 102 a and the second bone fragment 102 b. As another example, in some embodiments, the guide elements 110 a, 110 b can be removed from the first and second bone fragments 102 a, 102 b and fasteners, such as cannulated and/or non-cannulated fasteners, can be inserted into the guide holes formed by the guide elements 110 a, 110 b in the first and second bone fragments 102 a, 102 b. It will be appreciated that additional and/or alternative fasteners and insertion methods can be used.

In various embodiments, the targeting guide 10 can include one or more alignment features configured to assist in and/or provide verification of the alignment of the targeting guide 10 prior to and/or during insertion of the guide elements 110 a, 110 b. For example, in some embodiments, the targeting guide 10 can include one or more alignment holes 16 a-16 d formed through the body 12, one or more alignments holes formed through the alignment arm 24 (as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 10-12 ), one or more alignment protrusions (as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 13-14 ), a fluoroscopic and/or other imaging compatible alignment element, laser markings, and/or any other suitable alignment feature.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a surgical site 100 a including a targeting guide 10 a having a plurality of lateral alignment holes 46 a, 46 b formed through the alignment arm 24 a, in accordance with some embodiments. The surgical site 100 a and the targeting guide 10 a are similar to the surgical site 100 and the targeting guide 10 discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-9 , and similar description is not repeated herein. The alignment guide 10 a includes a first lateral alignment hole 46 a and a second lateral alignment hole 46 b extending through the alignment arm 24 a. The first and second lateral alignment holes 46 a, 46 b are configured to provide a visual indication to a user (such as a surgeon) regarding an alignment of the targeting guide 10 a when the guide tip 24 a is positioned adjacent to the first bone portion 102 a.

In some embodiments, the lateral alignment holes 46 a, 46 b are positioned such that no portion of the hole 46 a, 46 b is visible from a predetermined angle when the targeting guide 10 a is viewed from a predetermined angle. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the targeting guide 10 a is aligned with the first bone portion 102 a and is viewed from a side angle, the first and second lateral alignment holes 46 a, 46 b are not visible. In this configuration, the alignment arm 24 a of the targeting guide 10 a will be aligned with an axis of the first bone portion such that the guide tip 34 a indicates an exit location of one or more guide elements 110 a, 110 b as discussed above.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate a surgical site 100 b including a targeting guide 10 b having a first alignment protrusion 50 a and a second alignment protrusion 50 b. The alignment protrusions 50 a, 50 b extend from second surface 30 b of the body 12 b, although it will be appreciated that alignment protrusions 50 a, 50 b can extend from any suitable portion of the targeting guide 10 b, such as the body 12 b, the alignment arm 24 b, and/or the guide tip 34 b. The alignment pins 50 a, 50 b are aligned on an alignment axis such that when the targeting guide 10 b is rotationally aligned with the first bone 102, the first and second alignment pins 50 a, 50 b are vertically aligned.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , when the targeting guide 10 b is not properly aligned with the first bone 102, the alignment protrusions 50 a, 50 b are not vertically aligned and are each visible from a top view of the surgical site 100 b. As shown in FIG. 14 , when the targeting guide 10 b is properly aligned with the first bone 102 a, the alignment protrusions 50 a, 50 b are vertically aligned and only one of the alignment protrusions 50 a is visible, as the second alignment protrusion 50 b is hidden behind the first alignment protrusion 50 a. In some embodiments, additional alignment protrusions can be included to provide different alignment axes and/or different alignment viewing angles.

FIGS. 15-21 illustrate additional embodiments of a targeting guide, in accordance with various embodiments. Although certain features may be illustrated in some embodiments but not others, it will be appreciated that features of anyone embodiment can be combined with features and/or elements of any other disclosure. For example, the targeting guide 10 includes a slot 18 extending from a bottom edge. Each of the targeting guides illustrated in FIGS. 15-21 can include a slot extending inward from any portion of the body. Other potential combinations and/or modifications will be apparent and is within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a targeting guide 10 c having an arced alignment arm 24 c extending from a body 12 c, in accordance with some embodiments. The targeting guide 10 c is similar to the targeting guide 10 discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-9 , and similar description is not repeated herein. The alignment arm 24 c of the targeting guide 10 c extends from a first end 42 a coupled to the body 12 c to a second end 42 b along an arcuate axis. The arc of the alignment arm 24 is selected such that a predetermined portion of the guide tip 34 c coupled to the alignment arm 24 c is aligned with an axis of at least one guide hole 14 a, 14 b extending through the body 12 c, as discussed in greater detail below.

In some embodiments, the alignment arm 24 c is tapered from the first end 42 a to the second end 42 b. For example, in some embodiments, the upper edge 48 a of the alignment arm 24 c extends along a first arc and the bottom edge 48 b of the alignment arm 24 c extends along a second arc such that the thickness of the alignment arm 24 c decreases from the first end 42 a to the second end 42 b. In other embodiments, the upper edge 48 a and/or the bottom edge 48 b can have a variable arc.

The body 12 c of the targeting guide 10 c can include a rectangular shape having a flat bottom edge 28 b. The bottom edge 28 b is configured to abut and/or rest against an outer surface of a patient, such as an outer surface of a foot. Although embodiments are illustrated with a rectangular body 12 c, it will be appreciated that the body 12 c can have any suitable shape. The body 12 c can be curved from a first side 28 a to a second side 28 and/or can be flat.

In some embodiments, the guide tip 34 c extends from the alignment arm 24 c along a predetermined arc. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the guide tip 34 c extends in a direction generally opposite of the arcuate direction of the alignment arm 24 c. The guide tip 34 c can have a transition (or bend) 76 that corresponds to a change between the arc of the alignment arm 24 c and the arc of the guide tip 34 c. In some embodiments, the transition 76 can correspond to a horizontal axis of one of the guide holes 14 a, 14 b formed in the body 12 c and the free end 38 a of the guide tip 34 c corresponds to a horizontal axis of a second of the guide holes 14 a, 14 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide tip 34 c extends generally upward from a transition 76 (and away from the body 12 c), although it will be appreciated that the guide tip 34 c can extend in any suitable direction from the alignment arm 24 c such that a portion of the guide tip 34 c corresponds to a horizontal axis of one of the guide holes 14 a, 14 b, as discussed above.

FIG. 16 illustrates a targeting guide 10 d having an arced alignment arm 24 d and a curved lower surface 28 b of a body 12 d, in accordance with some embodiments. The targeting guide 10 d is similar to the targeting guide 10 c discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 15 , and similar description is not repeated herein. The targeting guide 10 d includes a curved lower surface 26 b configured to conform to an outer surface of a patient, such as an outer surface of a foot, hand, shoulder, elbow, knee, etc.

FIG. 17 illustrates a targeting guide 10 e having a first set of guide holes 214 a-214 g on a first arcuate axis 70 a of the body 12 e and a second set of guide holes 314 a-314 g on a second arcuate axis 70 b of the body 12 e, in accordance with some embodiments. The targeting guide 10 e is similar to the targeting guide 10 d described in conjunction with FIG. 16 , and similar description is not repeated herein. The guide holes 214 a-214 g, 314 a-314 g extend through the body 12 e from a first surface 30 a to a second surface 30 b and are aligned along respective arcuate paths 70 a, 70 b extending from a first side 28 a to a second side 28 b of the body 12 e. Each of the guide holes 214 a-214 g, 314 a-314 g is sized and configured to receive a guide sleeve (not shown) therethrough. The first set of guide holes 214 a-214 g and the second set of guide holes 314 a-314 g allows a user to select a position of one or more guide sleeves without adjusting a position of the targeting guide 10 e. In the illustrated embodiment, the first arcuate axis 70 a and the second arcuate axis 70 b are substantially parallel, although it will be appreciated that the arcuate axes 70 a, 70 b can be non-parallel in some embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a targeting guide 10 f having a first set of guide holes 214 a-214 g on a first horizontal axis 72 a and a second set of guide holes 314 a-314 g on a second horizontal axis 72 b, in accordance with some embodiments. The targeting guide 10 f is similar to the targeting guide 10 e described in conjunction with FIG. 17 , and similar description is not repeated herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the first horizontal axis 72 a and the second horizontal axis 72 b are substantially parallel, although it will be appreciated that the first and second horizontal axes 72 a, 72 b can be non-parallel. In some embodiments, the body 12 e can have a curved and/or arcuate shape configured to conform to an outer surface of a patient.

FIG. 19 illustrates a targeting guide 10 g having a continuous body 12 g and alignment arm 24 g, in accordance with some embodiments. The targeting guide 10 g is similar to the targeting guide 10 described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-9 , and similar description is not repeated herein. The body 12 g includes a first guide hole 14 a and a second guide hole 14 b extending therethrough. The body 12 g and the alignment arm 24 g extend continuously from a first end of the body 12 g to a guide tip 34 g. In some embodiments, the width and/or the thickness of the body 12 g and/or the alignment arm 24 g is tapered from the first end 28 b to the guide tip 34 g. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body 12 g and the alignment arm 24 g have a continuously tapered width and a continuously tapered thickness such that the body 12 g is thickest and widest at the first end 28 b and the alignment arm is thinnest at the guide tip 34 g, although it will be appreciated that the body 12 g and/or the alignment arm 24 g can be tapered in any suitable dimension.

In some embodiments, the first guide hole 14 a extends through the body 12 g on a first axis 32 a and the second guide hole 14 b extends through the body 12 g on a second axis 32 b. In some embodiments, the first axis 32 a and the second axis 32 b are non-parallel. For example, in some embodiments, the first axis 32 a and the second axis 32 b are aligned such that the axes 32 a, 32 b intersect at a point corresponding to a predetermined portion of the guide tip 34 g, such as the free end 38 a. In other embodiments, the first axis 32 a and the second axis 32 b are aligned such that the axes 32 a, 32 b are non-intersecting along an expected path of a guide element inserted into a first bone portion 102 a and a second bone portion 102 b along the respective axis 32 a, 32 b.

FIG. 20 illustrates a targeting guide 10 h having a continuous body 12 h and alignment arm 24 h defining plurality of guide holes 14 a-14 g formed therethrough, in accordance with some embodiments. The targeting guide 10 h is similar to the targeting guide 10 g described in conjunction with FIG. 19 , and similar description is not repeated herein. The targeting guide 10 h includes a plurality of guide holes 14 a-14 g extending through the body 12 g along respective hole axes 32 a-32 g. The hole axes 32 a-32 g define intersecting paths. In some embodiments, each of the hole axes 32 a-32 g intersect at a single point, such as a point corresponding to the guide tip 34 h and/or the free end 40 of the guide tip 34 h. In other embodiments, two or more of the hole axes 32 a-32 g can intersect at different points proximal to, aligned with, and/or distal to the guide tip 34 h. The plurality of guide holes 14 a-14 g allow a user (such as a surgeon) to select multiple angles of approach for installing guide elements based on patient-specific anatomy and/or other operatively-determined information.

FIG. 21 illustrates a targeting guide 10 i having an adjustable alignment arm 24 i, in accordance with some embodiments. The targeting guide 10 i includes a body 12 i having a first portion 80 a and a second portion 80 b. The first portion 80 a includes a body 82 extending between an upper edge 26 a and a lower edge 26 b and between a first side 28 a and a second side (not shown). The body 82 defines a first slot 84 formed in the first side 28 a extending from an upper edge 26 a into the body 12 i. The slot 84 is sized and configured to the second portion 80 b therein. In some embodiments, a second slot (not shown) is formed in the second side 28 b extending from an upper edge 26 a into the first portion 80 a.

The first portion 80 a defines a guide hole 14 extending from a first surface 30 a to a second surface 30 b. The guide hole 14 is sized and configured to receive a guide sleeve and/or a guide element therethrough. In some embodiments, the guide hole 14 is positioned adjacent to the lower edge 26 b of the first portion 80 a, although it will be appreciated that the guide hole 14 can be positioned through any suitable portion of the first portion 80 a and/or the second portion 80 b.

The body 12 i further includes a second portion 80 b extending from and slideable with respect to the first portion 80 a. The second portion 80 b includes an elongate, arcuate body 86 extending from a first end 88 a to a second end 88 b. The arcuate body 86 is sized and configured to be received within one or more of the slots 84 defined by the first portion 80 a of the body 12 i. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate body 86 defines an I-beam shape having a first portion inserted into the slot 84 formed in the first portion 80 a and a second portion extending beyond the slot 84. In other embodiments, the arcuate body 86 can have any suitable shape configured to be received within one or more slots 84 defined by the first portion 80 a and/or be slideable with respect to the first portion 80 a using any suitable mechanism.

An alignment arm 24 i extends from the second end 88 b of the second portion 80 b of the body 12 i. The alignment arm 24 i extends along an arcuate path from a first end 46 a to a second end 46 b. In some embodiments, the alignment arm 24 i is adjustable with respect to the second portion 80 b of the body 12 i. For example, in some embodiments, the second portion 80 b of the body 12 i defines a channel sized and configured to slideably receive a portion of the alignment arm 24 i therein. The position of the alignment arm 24 i (and the attached guide tip 34 i) with respect to the second portion 80 b of the body 12 i can be adjusted by sliding the alignment arm 24 i into and/or out of the second portion 80 b of the body 12 i. In other embodiments, the alignment arm 24 i has a fixed relationship with the second portion 80 b.

In use, the position of the guide tip 34 i coupled to the alignment arm 24 i is adjustable by sliding the second portion 80 b within the first portion 80 a and/or sliding the alignment arm 24 i within the second portion 80 b. The guide tip 34 i can be deployed to a maximum deployment (as shown in FIG. 21 ). In this position, a portion of the guide tip 34 i, such as a free end 38 a, corresponds to an axis of the guide hole 14 formed through the first portion 80 a of the body 12 i.

In some embodiments, the arc of the body 12 i and/or the alignment arm 24 are configured to maintain an alignment between the hole axis 32 a of the guide hole 14 and the free end 40 of the guide tip 34 i as the first portion 80 a and the second portion 80 b are slideably adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, as the overlap between the first portion 80 a and the second portion 80 b is increased (e.g., the body 12 i is shortened), the arc of the body 12 i maintains an alignment between the guide hole 14 and the free end 38 a of the guide tip 34 i. In other embodiments, the axis of the guide hole 14 and the free end 38 a of the guide tip are aligned only when the second portion 80 b of the body 12 i is fully deployed from the first portion 80 a.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A targeting guide, comprising: a body defining a first guide hole sized and configured to receive a guide sleeve and an alignment hole having a second axis corresponding to an alignment of a guide element inserted through the guide sleeve when the guide sleeve is inserted through the first guide hole, wherein the first guide hole extends through the body on a first axis; an alignment arm extending between a first end and a second end so as to define an arc, wherein the first end is coupled to the body; and a tip extending from the second end of the alignment arm, wherein the tip is aligned with the first axis of the first guide hole.
 2. The targeting guide of claim 1, wherein the body defines a second guide hole extending through the body along a second axis.
 3. The targeting guide of claim 2, wherein the first axis and the second axis are substantially parallel.
 4. The targeting guide of claim 1, wherein the tip comprises a first portion extending from the second end of the alignment arm at a first angle and a second portion extending from the first portion at a second angle, and wherein the second portion is aligned with the first axis of the at least one hole.
 5. The targeting guide of claim 1, wherein the alignment arm extends from the first end to the second end substantially along a horizontal axis.
 6. The targeting guide of claim 1, comprising a first guide pin and a second guide pin extending from the body, wherein the first guide pin and the second guide pin are configured to indicate alignment of the targeting guide with respect to a bone.
 7. A system, comprising: a targeting guide, comprising: a body defining (i) a first guide hole sized and configured to receive a guide sleeve and (ii) an alignment hole having a second axis, wherein the first guide hole extends through the body on a first axis; an alignment arm extending between a first end and a second end so as to define an arc, wherein the first end is coupled to the body; a tip extending from the second end of the alignment arm, wherein the tip is aligned with the first axis of the first guide hole; and a first guide sleeve sized and configured for insertion through the first guide hole so as to align a guide element located within the first guide sleeve when the guide sleeve is inserted through the first guide hole wherein the first guide sleeve defines a channel extending therethrough.
 8. The system of claim 7, comprising a second guide sleeve sized and configured for insertion through a second guide hole defined by the body, the second guide sleeve defining a channel extending therethrough.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the channel of the first guide sleeve and the channel of the second guide sleeve are substantially parallel when the first and second guide sleeves are inserted into respective first and second guide holes.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the body of the targeting guide defines at least one alignment hole configured to correspond to an alignment of the channel of the first guide sleeve when the first guide sleeve is inserted into the first guide hole.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the body of the targeting guide includes a first guide pin and a second guide pin extending therefrom, wherein the first guide pin and the second guide pin are configured to indicate alignment of the targeting guide with respect to a selected reference point.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the alignment arm extends from the first end to the second end substantially along a horizontal axis.
 13. The system of claim 7, wherein the alignment arm defines an arc extending from the first end to the second end.
 14. A method, comprising: providing a targeting guide having a body defining a first guide hole, an alignment hole, and a channel, where the first guide hole is sized and configured to receive a guide sleeve and extends through the body along a first axis, the channel extends from an edge of the body into an interior portion of the body such that the channel intersects the first guide hole so that the alignment hole is oriented parallel to the first guide hole and is positioned on the body such that, when an alignment device is disposed within the alignment hole, the alignment device provides a visual indication of a trajectory of the first guide hole; an alignment arm extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the body; and a tip extending from the second end of the alignment arm, wherein the tip is aligned with the first axis of the first guide hole; positioning a targeting guide adjacent to a first bone; inserting a first guide sleeve through the first guide hole so that the first guide sleeve defines a first channel; inserting a first guide element through the channel of the first guide sleeve and into the first bone such that a portion of the tip of the targeting guide corresponds to an exit position of the first guide element from the first bone.
 15. The method of claim 14, comprising inserting a first screw into the first bone, wherein the first screw is inserted over the first guide element.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the free end of the tip of the targeting guide corresponds the exit position of the first guide element from a first bone.
 17. The method of claim 14, comprising: inserting a second guide sleeve through a second guide hole formed in the body, wherein the second guide sleeve defines a second channel, and wherein the second channel is substantially parallel with the first channel of the first guide sleeve after insertion of the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve into respective first guide hole and second guide hole; and inserting a second guide element through the channel of the second guide sleeve and into the first bone.
 18. The method of claim 17, comprising aligning a first alignment feature and a second alignment feature of the targeting guide on a predetermined axis prior to insertion of the first sleeve into the first guide hole. 